Radford to host annual Ride of Silence

Radford cyclists will join other riders in worldwide on Wednesday, May 21 in the seventh annual Ride of Silence.

The silent, slow-paced ride will honor those who have been hurt or killed while cycling on public roadways. According to a release from the New River Valley Bicycle Association (NRVBA), this will be a family-friendly event, and children are encouraged to participate.

Helmets will be required to participate in the ride.

A police escort will keep riders safe along the route, as the ride will move at a slow pace. Though solemn, the group ride is meant to be enjoyable and inspirational to even the youngest riders.

The New River Valley ride was first organized in 2008 after the untimely death of Fess Green, local professor and veteran cyclist. The event is co-sponsored by the NRVBA and Pathways for Radford.

This year’s event will follow a different route than in previous years, due to road improvements along Second Avenue. However, the route will still traverse Radford’s roads and scenic Riverway, which Fess was instrumental in building.

Staging will begin in the Sal’s/El Charro (Central Lumber) parking lot at 709 W. Main Street, Radford, VA 24141 at 6:30 p.m. Speakers will give instructions at 6:45 p.m., there will be a special “moment of noise” at 6:59 p.m., and the Ride of Silence will begin at 7 p.m.

Those who cannot ride are encouraged to come out and show their support for bike safety. The route will be located along Main Street, from Sal’s and El Charro to the Dedmon Center.

Participants are invited to gather at Sal’s and El Charro following the ride. For more information, contact the NRVBA at 540-808-3225, or Pathways for Radford at 540-230-6268.